Cyclefest 2013 enters its third year on Sunday 19th May and will once again be one of the main attractions at the annual celebration of all things cycling at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, Aberdeenshire.

Raced entirely on a closed circuit, Cyclefest is aimed at developing youth cycling and is open to A-E categories. Supported by live race commentary the Cyclefest provides riders with a warm up area, toilet facilities and a full programme of racing. For parents, the covered grandstand provides a fantastic vantage point to watch the racing along with the opportunity to visit the other cycling related events that will be ongoing at the Grampian Transport Museum.

Racing starts at 1230 and finishes at 1600 with a stirring musical soundtrack and podium presentations throughout the afternoon's schedule. This is the fifth year that Ythan CC will have promoted events at GTM with the previous Cyclefests and the Grampian Grand Prix events having been hugely popular with some of Scotlands best youth riders having taken to the track.

Special attractions on the day are being finalised and will be updated in due course along with the race schedule but riders of all ages will take part in two races with the event culminating with the final A Race which is proudly sponsored by Aberdeenshire Sports Council, supporters of all forms of sport across Aberdeenshire. Ythan CC are also delighted announce that Team GB Paralympic pilot and Ythan CC member Fiona Duncan will be in attendance to meet the youth riders and pass on her experiences from London 2012.

Head up to the heart of Aberdeenshire and visit Alford, a charming rural Donside town located 30 minutes from Aberdeen and a short distance from Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park.

Parents, why not make it a weekend in Aberdeenshire? The GTM King of the Mountains Sportive promoted by Deeside Thistle the day before provides an opportunity for cyclists of all ages to enjoy some spectacular routes through Donside and Deeside.

Ythan CC are delighted to announce a new partnership with their ADCA colleagues at Granite City RT and the combination of Cyclefest with the Scottish National Mens and Ladies Road Race Championships which will be located on a course near Alford. Phil will announce course details in due course but both clubs along with Scottish Cycling have created a showcase for Scotland's best riders on a challenging and beautiful course incorporating some of Donside's famous ascents starting and finishing in Alford. Whilst Scotland's top male and female riders battle it out to join the elite list of past winners, some of the best up and coming youth riders from across Scotland will be starting their journey towards that same level.

Youth riders will have the prestigious opportunity to take part in a parade lap to set off both championship races as well the chance to see the exciting climax of both races on a closed road finish near the Grampian Transport Museum.

The event timings have changed as a result of the new partnership with the first youth races starting just after 11am, having watched the Ladies Road Race depart via a parade past the grandstand at the Grampian Transport Museum.The Mens Race will also be escorted out of the track by the youth riders before the Cyclefest Youth Races continue to their climax at 2.30pm allowing riders plenty of time to make the short walk to see who is crowned Scotland's new road champions.

We can also confirm that as a result of the support of Aberdeenshire Sports Council each of the five category winners, A-E, will be awarded a Gold Winners Jersey emblazoned with the event sponsors logos. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will also be awarded to the first three in each category.

It has been tremendous to see entries coming in from across Scotland, especially from Edinburgh and the central belt but keep them coming in as this is a chance to be part of one of Scotland's biggest cycling weekends.

Great response and 54 riders now entered. Due to the track type and our knowledge of what keeps everyone safe the limit for the A race has been set at 20 riders.

We are now at 18 and on reaching 20 I will not be accepting any more A entries. The other categories are filling up but I will update if I have to put a limit on those.

I am also looking for another marshall after losing one of our volunteers to work committments. If you can spare sometime between 10am and 2.30pm to keep the youth riders safe on the track. We will keep you topped up with tea and cakes, let me know if you can help on malcolmgrant@hotmail.co.uk

Entries are now closed. Entries will not be taken on the line or by email/phone so please do not travel to Alford as only riders who are on the start sheet will be permitted access via the rider entry area.

Visitors are more than welcome but are asked to attend at the main public entry gates at the Transport Museum.

Weather forecast is improving with a high of 16 degrees on the cards! Here's hoping for a great day for all the A, B, C, D and Es. It's a team event for the Ythan QLs so let's see everyone at their best - good luck!